Bicycle sharing success hinges in part on quality local infrastructure, shows new research

A new study on the impact of bicycle sharing on cities has drawn new conclusions and dispelled old myths on what exactly makes a successful scheme.

Analysing 75 schemes from around the globe, the Bicycle sharing system ‘success’ determinants study delivers both unsurprising results, including tying safe cycling infrastructure in the locality to increased use, but also pours cold water on the notion that only large scale footprint schemes can be successful.

Infrastructure and weather’s impact

Adding weight to the “build it and they will come” argument, safe and local cycling infrastructure was found to have a correlation to stronger share scheme performance. The study does however remind that in many cases political and public will to provide share schemes is often far higher than it is to tear up the road space and reallocate to active travel.

Putting a figure on the impact of dedicated space for cycling, the authors range the impact at between 0 and 20% per additional kilometre, per square kilometre.

Rail and bus infrastructure were not found to have a significant impact, however it was noted that in many big cities the most active hire hubs are found at busy stations.